Millions of tenants in Germany have to find a new way to receive television. Here are some possible alternatives.
For months, we have been reading at ever shorter intervals about the abolition of the so-called service charge privilege. Tenants should have been informed by their landlords long ago that they will have to take care of their own TV connection from July 1st. But why is all this happening? And what alternatives can users use to best benefit from the freedom of choice that is now dawning on them?
What is the additional costs privilege?
The utility bill privilege is a relic of the past. Conceived over 40 years ago to boost cable network provision in Germany, landlords have been able to conclude collective contracts for cable television since the 1980s. They were able to pass on the costs – like other operating costs, such as sewage or garbage disposal – to the tenants via the annual utility bill.
Although a law abolishing this privilege has been in force since the end of 2021, a transitional period still applies until June 30, 2024. From July 1, however, the home screen could then remain black in the worst case scenario, because landlords have usually terminated the collective contracts with the previous providers.
The change in the law is good for everyone who had to pay for the cable connection included in the rental agreement even though they never used it. And it is an opportunity for those who would like to continue watching TV – even if they now have to look for a replacement. Because the range of options is wide. If you compare the different providers and reception methods carefully, you can save money and sometimes get a much better deal.
All clear: Cable TV will not be switched off
With all the fuss about the utility bill privilege, tenants might assume that cable TV itself will be switched off at the end of the month. However, this is not the case. However, anyone who wants to continue to use this method of reception usually has to sign a separate contract with the cable provider. Vodafone, for example, is active in all federal states and took over Kabel Deutschland a few years ago. However, there are also numerous regional providers of classic cable TV connections, often in combination with broadband internet. But here too, it is essential to compare prices and offers, because there are numerous alternatives, especially in urban areas, thanks to good internet infrastructure.
Classic alternatives to cable television
If tenants have a reasonably modern television, it is possible to watch the TV program via their own DSL or fiber optic line. Many Internet providers allow corresponding TV packages to be booked directly in addition to the Internet connection.
There are also service providers such as Waipu, Zattoo or HD+, through which users can stream the current TV program on supported internet-enabled smart TVs – not only on the TV but also on other devices such as laptops or smartphones. However, after free trial subscriptions, usually lasting several weeks, monthly fees are usually charged depending on the package booked. These providers also score points with functions such as pausing, restarting or accessing the media libraries. Prices here range between 6 and 13 euros per month, depending on the scope.
Satellite television, which has also been popular for decades, is the most cost-effective alternative – once the necessary satellite dish has been installed. Most programs can be received without paying a fee. Consumers only need to obtain the necessary reception equipment such as a satellite dish and a satellite receiver, if the latter is not already built into the television. However, the consumer advice center points out points out that tenants must first clarify whether the installation of a dish on balconies or external walls is possible and permitted.
The TV platform HD+ offers a so-called hybrid offer. Users receive paid access to a wide range of channels, special picture quality and service functions either via satellite or IPTV. This includes access to around 100 channels in HD quality, including at least 25 programs from private channels. There are also three channels in high-quality UHD via satellite. Content can be paused and programs restarted if you missed the beginning. The first six months via dish are currently free, after which the offer costs 6 euros per month or 75 euros per year.
In many places, the TV program can still be received via the DVB-T2 HD antenna standard, which was switched to in many German regions by summer 2019. Around 40 public and private programs can be received via indoor or roof antenna, mostly in HD quality. A map of supported regions – including those with limited reception – and a reception check are available. on the website “dvb-t2hd.de”an initiative of public and private media institutions and broadcasters. Receiving private channels costs around eight euros per month.
Media libraries and more
Alternatively, the public broadcaster’s programs are available free of charge in the media libraries of the respective broadcasters. The streaming services Joyn and RTL+ meanwhile offer content from the broadcaster groups ProSiebenSat.1 and RTL as well as other productions live or on demand – at prices of around 7 to 15 euros per month, depending on the service and the subscription chosen.
Such offers can usually be accessed on modern smart TVs, but if you have an older device, you can use a wide variety of streaming solutions and usually make the old TV ready for TV reception via an HDMI connection and WiFi connection. Such streaming players are available from Roku, Google or Amazon, among others. Depending on the device and provider, many of the previously mentioned offers can be bundled here, so that in addition to the classic TV channels, a large number of media libraries, YouTube channels, streaming offers such as Netflix or Disney+ and more often end up on the screen.
Conclusion: Compare first, then switch
Anyone who still wants to receive traditional cable TV can continue to do so, regardless of the additional costs. However, there are now a number of alternatives, which usually offer a larger range of channels at comparable prices. Tenants should therefore first compare which alternative best meets their needs. It is important to always check whether the television is directly suitable for the respective provider or whether additional hardware in the form of compact streaming sticks, TV boxes or receivers is necessary. In any case, no one who takes a moment to search for a provider will be left empty-handed from July 1st.